Rules as shown in the Minor League and T Ball Rule book are in effect except as listed in the following rules. The Rules can only be changed with approval of the MBSA Board of Directors. Manager/Coaches cannot change the rules under any circumstance.

Only managers and coaches approved by the MBSA may supervise the players in games and practices. While parents may assist, there must be an approved manager or coach in-charge.

All Managers and Coaches MUST wear their Manalapan Township volunteer badge and abide by the “Manalapan Parks and Recreation Volunteer Code of Conduct” and have read and agree to the “Manalapan Parks and Recreation Background Check Policy”. Managers are responsible for the acts of their coaches and parents.

Games and practice dates/times can only be scheduled or rescheduled by the league Commissioners. All incidents should be reported immediately.

If the Managers cannot resolve an issue during a game, they must contact the commissioner OR Associate Commissioner immediately.

Each game will be 6 innings OR a 2 hour time limit. You cannot start a new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes has elapsed. The last inning played is a full inning since we do not keep score (other than the 5 run max rule discussed below).

A maximum of 5 runs is allowed in one half inning, regardless of the number of outs. When 5 runs are scored or 3 outs are made the half inning is over. 5 runs or 3 outs whichever occurs first.

Each team shall have a set batting order for the entire season. Rotational batting everyone bats. If the game ends with batter number 6 then batter number 7 will start the next game.

Batters on the bench including on deck batters are NOT ALLOWED to take practice swings. The manager and coaches are required to make sure this doesn’t occur. Managers and/or coaches can be ejected for allowing practice swings to occur.

Runners may continue to run the bases until a defensive player has control of the ball. Use your discretion; if the runner just passed a base and the ball is in control by a fielder then have the runner return to the base he just passed. Runners do not advance on overthrows.

Pitchers are encouraged (not required) to wear a heart guard on the pitcher’s mound.

Any player that warms up a pitcher either before an inning or in between innings must wear a protective mask.

Each team fields 10 players, there will be 4 outfielders (spread evenly) no less than 10’ from the infield. There cannot be more than 10 players on the field at any time. No player is allowed right behind second base. There will be a pitcher and a catcher for the entire season.

Every player must play at least 2 consecutive innings in the field and cannot sit out more than one inning in a row. Every Player must play at least 4 innings in the field (6 inning game).

No player may play more than 2 innings at one position.

Pitcher can pitch a maximum of 1 inning or 35 pitches whichever comes first. Every player should play at least one inning in the infield and at least one inning in the outfield.

Catchers must wear all equipment, no skullcaps are allowed. Can still use own glove instead of catcher’s glove.

Managers and coaches will pitch to the players for the 1st two weeks. They must pitch the ball overhand. Kids may pitch beginning with Game 3 but progress will be reviewed by the League after Game 4 and a final determination will be made. The success of Kids pitching will be reviewed by the commissioner and managers after game 4 and a determination will be made whether to continue Kids pitching.

There are no called balls and strikes when coaches pitch (until kid pitching starts). A strikeout will be recorded after 4 swinging strikes (First 2 Coach-Pitch Games only).

When the kids pitch, there are no walks. There are called strikes but a strikeout will only be recorded after the batter swings at a combination of 5 swinging and looking strikes. Strike zone is shoulder to shins.

Pitchers will pitch from 44 feet. Pitchers are encouraged to wear heart guards.

Pitchers must wear a batting helmet (not caged).

The manager/coach of the pitchers team stays on the mound which the kid pitches to provide instruction and be prepared to quickly finish the at bat.

If the pitcher throws 4 balls to a batter prior to the completion of the at bat the pitchers manager/coach is required finish the at bat. The player at bat’s turn is over after either a strike out (continuation of 5 called/swinging strikes) or if the batter hits safely or into an out.

The pitcher then returns to the mound to pitch to the next batter.

Batters must wear a caged helmet when kids are pitching. The caged helmet is replaced by a standard helmet if the batter reaches base

Please spend some time in practice teaching the kids to get out of the way of an errant pitch. There are no bases awarded for HBP.

With two outs a Manager is allowed to put a courtesy runner in for the catcher. The runner must be the last batted out.

No barreling by a runner or fielder is allowed. A warning will be given. 2 occurrences by the same player during the same game will result in the player sitting the remainder of the inning or lose one turn at bat. When the runner is the offender an automatic out will result.

Two defensive coaches are allowed on the field and should position themselves behind short and second in the outfield.

The team on offense should have a 1st and 3rd base coach. The manager may appoint a third coach to manage the bench.

The home team is responsible for the plate umpire, visiting team supplies the field ump. Home plate umpire must wear mask and chest protector. Shin guards are optional. (It is recommended that the manager pre-schedule a parent to fill these roles with the overall game schedule)

The first game home team shall set up the field and the last game home team shall put away all bases and umpire equipment in the shed.

Sliding headfirst is not allowed. If a runner slides headfirst he will be called out.

No Bunting, Infield fly rule, Stealing, or Leads.

Only approved little league bats may be used (max barrel size 21⁄4”). Any bats not meeting this specification must be removed from play immediately.

Players must wear an athletic supporter/cup and cleats. Heart guards and safety glasses are recommended but optional.

Pitcher’s mound is 44’ and bases are 60’

Let parents know they need to get to the field 15-20 minutes prior to game time. All coaches and managers should be on time as well. As they get older, warm up period becomes more and more important.

Fields must be maintained prior to the first game each week (raked, policed etc). There will be a schedule prepared for the season. Each manager will be responsible to submit their parent who will be doing the field maintenance on the designated week. Parent must sign schedule book (in the shed) upon completion. Failure to perform scheduled volunteer work will result in forfeit of work bond.

The 1st game’s home team is responsible for getting the equipment (bases, home plate and mound) from the shed. The home team from the last game is responsible for returning the equipment back to the shed.